No Reduction in Aid Budget Under Her Watch, Says Assistant Minister

26 Sep, 2018

The Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) – Australia’s peak-body for aid NGOs – has welcomed comments by the Assistant Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Anne Ruston, that there will be “no reduction in the investment and involvement of Australia in our aid budget”.¹

“Five years of successive cuts have left Australia’s aid budget at its lowest level in history. Today, the Assistant Minister ruled out further cuts by the Morrison Government. It gives hope that Australia’s aid program will not be on the chopping board again,” said CEO of ACFID, Marc Purcell.

“We strongly support the Minister’s emphasis on increased relationship building and maintaining strategic engagement in the region. Part of being a strong member of the Pacific family is being a reliable development partner. We call on the Australian Government to reverse the downward trajectory and rebuild Australia’s aid program.

“Previously, the Coalition Government said it would invest in aid once the budget allowed. This week’s positive economic news leaves us perfectly placed to start investing again. It gives Australia an opportunity to help our neighbours combat the worst effects of climate change while rebuilding the international partnerships which have suffered due to our brittle commitment to aid.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

¹The full interview with Assistant Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Anne Ruston, can be found here.

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The Campaign for Australian Aid encourages all Australians to come together to celebrate Australia’s contribution to reducing poverty and international development, and to ensure Australia continues to play its part.